EUTHANASIA for those with terminal illnesses have sparked heated debates, yet it is with unnerving ease that unwanted pets are “put to sleep.” 

Over 12,000 cats and dogs fell prey to men's double standard last year, according to statistics from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Selangor. 

The society had organized a candle-lit vigil last week in memory of these animals – a candle was lit for every animal they put to sleep. 

The event, which was held at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) veterinary department, was in conjunction with the International Homeless Animal Day and aimed to draw attention to SPCA “No-Kill” campaign. 

“No-Kill” is an international movement initiated by animal welfare organizations that believe owners should be responsible for neutering pets. 

This is to prevent over-population and hence lower the number of euthanasia. 

“Too many people do not think it through before adopting pets, and so halfway through they surrender these animals to shelters,” Selangor SPCA chairman Christine Chin said. 

“The public should think before buying pets as they tend to treat (abandonment) too lightly,” she said. 

She urged existing and potential owners to neuter their pets to avoid the nuisance of uncontrolled breeding. 

Also present at the event was UPM lecturer in pet medicine and surgery, Dr Nadzariah Cheng Abdullah, who said: “There are many people who are working for organizations that prevent animal cruelty; however, someone has to unify them in order to make an impact.” 

In response to a question about SPCA undercutting private veterinarians for neutering services, she said: “We are vets, not businessmen.” 

“We (as vets) are under obligation to contribute to society,” she said. 

SPCA, together with Kuala Lumpur City Hall, now has an animal clinic in Setapak that offers neutering services at RM50 for cats and RM70 for dogs. 

For details or to make an appointment, contact Krishna at 012-258 1041. 

For more information about SPCA or to make donations and to volunteer, call 03-4256 5312 or 03-4253 5179.